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Angela Corbett, LCSW, CAP

Understanding Deductibles, Copays, Coinsurance, and Coordination of Benefits

Navigating health insurance can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to focus on your mental health and well-being. At TrueCandor Behavioral Health, we often hear questions about deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and something called coordination of benefits. These terms can be confusing, but understanding them can help you avoid unexpected bills and feel more confident about your care. 

Below is a clear and simple breakdown of each concept and why it matters.

What Is Deductible?

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for healthcare services before your insurance plan begins to cover costs.

  • Example: if your deductible is $1,000, you pay the first $1,000 of covered services yourself.

Some services, such as preventive care or certain mental health visits, may be covered before you meet your deductible. This depends on your specific plan. 

What Is a Copay?

A copay is a fixed dollar amount you pay at the time of service.

  • Example: You may have a $25 copay for therapy sessions.

Copays are usually predictable, which makes it easier to budget for routine appointments.

What Is Coinsurance?

Coinsurance is a percentage of the cost of a service that you pay after you meet your deductible.

  • Example: Your plan may require you to pay 20 percent of the cost of your session, while insurance covers the remaining 80 percent.

Coinsurance often applies to higher-cost services, or once your deductible has been met.

What Is a Coordination of Benefits (COB)?

If you have more than one insurance plan, for example, through your employer and a spouse, Coordination of Benefits (COB) determines:

  • Which plan pays first, also called primary insurance
  • Which plan pays next, also called secondary insurance
  • How the remaining costs are shared

Insurance companies require this information to ensure claims are processed correctly. If COB information is missing or outdated, claims can be delayed or denied.

Why Understanding These Terms Matters?

Having clarity about your insurance coverage can help you:

  • Plan for your out-of-pocket costs
  • Reduce billing surprises
  • Know what to expect at each visit
  • Make informed decisions about your behavioral health care

At TrueCandor Behavioral Health, our goal is to simplify the insurance process so you can stay focused on your healing and well-being, not on paperwork.

If you ever have questions about your benefits or how claims are handled, our team is here to help.

Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace

In recent years, the conversation surrounding mental health has gained significant momentum, and rightfully so. As awareness grows, it’s becoming increasingly clear that mental well-being is just as important as physical health, especially in the workplace. Organizations that prioritize mental health not only benefit their employees but also experience improved productivity, higher morale, and decreased turnover rates. In this blog post, we’ll explore why supporting mental health in the workplace is crucial and provide actionable strategies for creating a supportive work environment.

The Importance of Mental Health Support in the Workplace

Mental health issues such as chronic stress, anxiety, and depression are common among employees, yet many employers don’t know how to address concerns regarding their employee’s mental health. Ignoring these issues can lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and poor overall performance. Stressed and overwhelmed employees are less likely to be productive and engaged in their work. 

Additionally, employees are more likely to stay with organizations that prioritize their well-being. Now, more than ever, job seekers actively seek out employers who offer supportive work environments. By investing in mental health initiatives, organizations can attract and retain top talent.

Strategies for Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace:

Here are some strategies that you can implement within your workplace! 

  1. Encourage open dialogue about mental health within your organization. By destigmatizing discussions around mental health, we can create a safe space for individuals to share their feelings, experiences, and struggles without fear of judgment, and build a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
  2. Recognize that each employee has unique needs and challenges. Offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or flexible hours, can help employees better manage their mental health by reducing stress related to commuting or balancing work and personal responsibilities.
  3. Encourage employees to prioritize self-care and set boundaries between work and personal life. Let it be known that sending work-related emails and answering calls outside of their working hours is not necessary. Urge employees to use their vacation time to recharge.
  4. Foster a culture where leaders prioritize their own mental health and encourage others to do the same. Managers should model appropriate work-life boundaries, take their own vacations, and actively manage their stress levels. 
  5. Lead with empathy and understanding. It’s not enough to talk the talk! As leaders we also need to walk the walk by showing up for and supporting our employees when they face mental health challenges. We can do this by providing guidance and resources to an employee who is struggling, using nonjudgmental language when talking about mental health, and treating mental health concerns with the same kindness and accommodation that we would treat someone experiencing a physical illness or condition. 

Supporting mental health in the workplace is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also essential for the success and sustainability of any organization. By prioritizing mental well-being, employers can create a positive work environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Let’s commit to fostering a culture of mental health awareness and support in our workplaces, because when we take care of our employees’ mental health, everyone benefits.